Charleston for Thanksgiving

[Anonymous]

We're taking the kids and my parents to Charleston for Thanksgiving. Does anyone have any suggestions for a fabulous and memorable restaurant? I'd also be interested in places to stay.

TIA!!!

[Anonymous]

A restaurant for your actual Thanksgiving meal, or just for a nice meal while you are there?

I'm not really sure about what restaurants have Thanksgiving menus, but I highly suggest the following places in general:

FIG -- on Meeting Street. Excellent food and a little different menu from the traditional southern/seafood fare at most Chas. places.

Magnolia's or Blossom or Cypress -- all three on East Bay Street. All three are good, owned by the same folks. Blossom is the most casual and Cypress is the fanciest. If you go to Magnolia's, make sure someone gets the fried chicken livers and that someone gets the shrimp and grits.

Slightly North of Broad -- Shrimp and grits are almost as good as Magnolia's, and different.

McCrady's -- Excellent wine bar, excellent food, really old/cozy ambience.

The Woodlands -- Not in Charleston, but in Summerville, which is about 20 miles away. It's SC's only four-diamond hotel and restaurant.

Depending on how old your children are, The Woodlands, Cypress, McCrady's, and FIG might be a little iffy. I'm not sure how kid-friendly they'd be at dinner.

Places to stay -- the Vendue Inn on East Bay Street is a great location and a great value (and comes with delicious free hot southern breakfast). The French Quarter Inn is also a great location and really beautiful -- nicer (and much newer) than the Vendue Inn (and accordingly, more expensive). Ditto Charleston Place. The Mills House is old Charleston, but I think it's almost a little shabby these days. Great location though. Just try to stay in the historic district and you'll be able to walk lots of places.

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much! You gave me better insight than Trip Advisor and T&L.

Yes, I'm looking for Thanksgiving Day dinner. My daughter is in college in SC and we're meeting her for several days with my much younger son and my parents. My husband is an architect and I'd like to stay in a neighborhood that has a lot of character.

Would we be better in Kiawah or someplace just outside Charleston or should we stick to Charleston?

[Anonymous]

I'd stick to Charleston unless you really like to golf. Kiawah is gorgeous, but unless you're going to the beach, playing tennis a lot, or golfing, Charleston has way more to do (restaurants, shopping, antiques, etc.).

Another place that I just thought about is the Fulton Lane Inn -- lots of character, very charming -- or at least it was a few years ago. It's off of King Street. Any hotel in the historic district will have a lot of character.

I grew up outside of Charleston and love it, if you can't tell! You will have a great time.

And if you like really good (but mostly fried) seafood, there's a local gem called The Wreck in Mt. Pleasant (across the Cooper River from Charleston -- not far at all) that can't be beat. It's hard to find, but if you ask a local, they can give you directions.

[Anonymous]

to eat, 82 Queens or with kids, Pogans Porch. Both so good. To stay, Charleston Place or Mills House. If you want nice, 5 star, go for Charleston Place. Mills House is actually a Holiday Inn. If you are associated with the military or gov in anyway and make a reservation early, you can get a killer deal, 90 a night, this place is right across from the markets, as is Charleston Place. Have fun. I am from Charleston and I am bias, but really there is no better city in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

A question for the Charleston native - if I only have an afternoon to spend in Charleston, what are the top sites to see/experiences to have, in your opinion? Thanks.